This 17-page catalog covers notes issued by the Conseil Monétaire de la République du Congo (Monetary Council of the Republic of Congo) from 1962 to 1963; the Banque Nationale du Congo (National Bank of Congo) from 1961to 1971; and the Banque Centrale du Congo (Central Bank of Congo) from 1997 to present. Revised 5 July 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:

Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap

Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender

Specific identification of all vignette elements

Security features described in full

Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note

Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter

Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list

Red stars highlight the many notes missing from the SCWPM

Date reproduced exactly as on note

Precise date of introduction noted when known

Replacement note information

Signature tables, often with names and terms of service

Background information for historical and cultural context

Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties

Bibliographic sources listed for further research

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Today’s challenge is to identify the dam which appears on the front of the old 100-franc note of Congo Democratic Republic.

If you can precisely identify the name and location of this dam—or have a lead which you think might be useful—please post a comment, preferably including a URL which links to evidence supporting your identification.

200 francs (US$0.45), 31.07.2007. Like Pick 95, but instead of the bank initials embossed on the silvery round patch at lower center on the front, the initials are printed; and the note is lithographed front and back. Furthermore, new date and new printer imprint (GIESECKE & DEVRIENT MUNICH). Imprint is in lower right corner on the back, below the denomination. It’s hard to read without a magnifying glass. Available in varieites with 1- or 2-character prefixes.

All of the other 2007 dated denominations I’ve seen have 2-letter prefixes. If anyone has 1-letter varieties of these notes, please send scans so they can be confirmed.

500 francs (US$1.10), 04.01.2002. Like P96, but lacking the three diamonds to the left of the watermark area on the front (top image). Both notes bear the imprint of GIESECKE & DEVRIENT MUNICH (the imprint is very faint, printed at lower right on back).

I’m not sure if this is an error note or an intentional new variety. On the “normal” note (bottom image), the diamonds appear to be printed as part of the rest of the design, so it’s not as if the underprinting or an overprinting was omitted by mistake. It may be that the diamonds were removed to make the design of the note conform to the other denominations in this family, none of which have any similar elements in the same location. Does anyone else have examples of this note to report?

This note has also been confirmed as a specimen with a diagonal red SPECIMEN overprint.

Banque Centrale du Congo issued 20 million notes to commemorate the country’s 50th anniversary of independence from Belgium. The commemoratives will circulate in parallel with the preceding notes of the same denomination.

Anyone interested in buying one of these notes can contact the contributor by clicking the link below. Be sure to say you saw it mentioned here on Banknotenews.com.

100 francs (US$0.20), 31.07.2007. Like Pick 92, but instead of the bank initials embossed on the silvery round patch on the front, the initials are printed; and the note is lithographed front and back. Furthermore, new date and new printer imprint (GIESECKE & DEVRIENT MUNICH). Imprint is in lower right corner on the back, below the denomination. It’s hard to read without a magnifying glass.

10 francs (US$0.02), 30.06.2003. Like Pick 93, but new printer (HOTEL DES MONNAIES B.C.C.). Imprint is in lower right corner on the back, below the denomination. It’s hard to read without a magnifying glass.

Anyone interested in buying one of these notes can contact the contributor by clicking the link below. Be sure to say you saw it mentioned here on Banknotenews.com.

Thanks to everyone who helped positively identify the following features which appear on the back of some banknotes from Zaire and the Congo Democratic Republic.

I find it curious that many countries are proud enough to feature certain places, people, and objects on their notes, yet they fail to label these vignettes. As a result, it’s possible that their significance may be lost on future generations. That’s why I strive to provide detailed identifications of all elements depicted on notes in my new catalog. If you enjoyed the detective work as much as I did, keep your eyes on this site for future hunts.